Bantham SLSC runs a very popular nipper training programme over 13 Sundays during the summer season. The programme aims to make children fitter and safer on the beach and in the sea, prepares them for progression into the youth programme at 13 years old and ultimately on to take and pass thier lifeguard qualification at 16 to enable them to operate as a Beach Lifeguard.

The programme aims to build:

- knowledge of sea safety and how to kept themsleves and others safe- sea and surf based skills, both board and swimming- all round beach and aquatic fitness and competence

leading to a greater understanding and confidence of the beach environment.

The programe looks to progress ALL Nippers through the award and competence structure as laid out in the Nipper Progession section. The intent being to develop individual skills which closely mirror those already used by the qualified Beach Lifeguards.

All Nipper members MUST be able to swim at least 200m in the SEA front crawl, head down and pass a number of pool based tests prior to being accepted for membership.

Note: The club is actively encouraging parents to become involved in the training of the Nippers as ‘trainers/helpers’ to ensure statutory safety regulations are met when the Nippers are in the sea. If you would like to help please see Jo for further information.

Please note Nippers age groups are different from the academic system in that Nippers must be 7 (or the age they are moving into) BEFORE the 1st of January of the year of application. This is an insurance stipulation defined by SLS GB.